Stan Cummings Scholars Internship Program
* Applications are currently closed and will open again in summer 2026. *
Stan Cummings Scholars Internship Program
Click here to learn about our Founder, Stan Cummings
2025-2026
Welcome to Ocean Institute Stan Cummings Scholars Internship Program!
Internships at the Ocean Institute go from fall to spring with an intern showcase in the beginning of June. Interns will gain hands-on experience and a deep connection to marine science.
The following dates, especially the workshops and end of program Showcase, require attendance from all interns. Acceptance tot he program is based on merit, as well as availability for all required dates.
Internship Dates:
July 9 – Applications Open
August 17 – Applications Close at 11:59pm
August 11 to September 5 – Interview Window
September 8 – Internship Awarded
September 23 – Orientation
September 27-28 – Start date
November 24-30 – Fall Break
December 9 – Workshop 1: Project Development
December 22 – January 4, 2026 – Winter Break
February 10, 2026 – Workshop 2: How to Recognize Patterns in Your Data
Spring Break – Align with your school break
April 28, 2026 – Workshop 3: How to Make a Good Poster
June 6-7, 2026 – Intern Showcase
Basic Requirements:
– 4 hour shift, 1 day a week for entire program
– Mandatory Workshop attendance
– Adhere to all deadlines
– Participation in end of program Showcase
Key Responsibilities
– Act as an integral part of the Ocean Institute’s team of educators, including staff and volunteers
– Uphold high expectations for professionalism and teamwork, in alignment with Ocean Institute’s mission
– Gain hands-on experience with designing and executing a project, conducting data collections and organization, and contributing findings to the larger scientific community
– Practice critical thinking, scientific research, public speaking, and science communication
Departments and Potential Projects:
Below are the different departments and project guidelines available for interns.
Husbandry
Husbandry Research Intern – Assist with animal care including tank cleaning, animal feeding, etc. and simultaneously, develop a research project utilizing part of our system.
Available to both high school and college students. Shifts available 7 days a week, to be decided upon acceptance.
Public Programs
Outreach Intern – Learn about the various outreach programs that are currently active, where they take place, why we participate in tehse programs, and how we engage and connect with the community. Projects may include optimizing strategies for guest engagement; guest retention; etc.
Available to both high school and college students. Shifts decided upon acceptance.
R/V Sea Explorer
Naturalist Intern – Act as a naturalist aboard 1 public weekend cruise per week. Assist crew with checking in passengers, boarding and deboarding, etc. Learn the basic safety procedures in place to keep crew and passengers safe. Create informational talks about marine mammals, marine birds, plankton, etc. to connect with our passengers, both in a group setting and one-on-one.
Available to both high school and college students. Shifts available Saturdays and Sundays.
Ocean Productivity Research Intern – conduct research aboard the RV/SE for projects including plankton, chlorophyll, or other particle surveys along ocean surface waters.
Available to both high school and college students. Shifts available Saturdays and Sundays.
* Applications are currently closed and will open again in summer 2026. *
FAQ
Please see below for frequently asked questions!
How long is the internship program?
October – June
How frequent are the required shifts?
Once per week – the day is dependent on your department.
Am I required to work on holiday weeks?
No, interns are not required to work on holiday weeks.
The following breaks are built into the program:
Fall: 11/24-30
Winter: 12/22 – 1/4/2026
Spring: Align with interns’ spring break
Who can intern?
All of our internships are open for high school students and undergraduate college students to apply.
Where do I apply?
Use the application button above!